Device for automatically supplying washing solutions to washing machines



E. D. EDGREN DEVICE FDR AUTOMATICALLY SUPPLYING WASHING SOLUTIONS T0 WASHING MACHINES Nov. 29, 1932.

Filed Dec. 4, 1930 4 heets-Sheec 1 5772 st fltwidfi'tyrem 3 I r I o ablimwlaqo.

DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY SUPPLYING WASHING SOLUTIONS T0 WASHING MACHINES I I Nov. 29, 1932.

E. D. EDGREN Filed .Dec. 4, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 fmsrfiavzdmg mma V I Riot/Ma a.

DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY SUPPLYING WASHING SOLUTIONS TO WASHING MACHINES Filed Dec. 4. 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I J NIVHG J NVllS HDVTISAVOSH fwsrt [kl [DEW 3 m 0 a I g? Y $2M; I o

1,889,280 DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY SUPPLYING WASHING SOLUTIONS TO WASHING MACHINES E. D. EDGREN Nov. 29, 1932.

File d Dec. 4, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 mm r Fatented Nov. 29, 1932 UNETED SIATES I ERNST DAVID EDGREIL OF LOS ANGELEfifiALIFORNIA DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALIiY SUFBLYING WASHING SOLUTIONS TO WASHING V 1 MACHINES Application filed December 4, 1930. Serial No. 500,123.

This invention rel ates to Washing machines designed primarily for use 1n commerc al" laundries, the primary object of the invention being to provide means for delivering the washing solutions and other materials necessary in washing articles, to the machine in predetermined quantities, so that the mixing of the various formulas of washing solutions may be accurately accomplished.

Another object of the inventionis the provision of receptacles for containing the solution and bleaching materials, novel means being provided for moving the receptacles to their discharging positions, at predetermined intervals, to supply the washing materials to the washing machine.

A further objectof the invention is the provision of means whereby the operation of the device mayv he variedor regulated, to

adapt the device for use in washing mate- 57? in the scope of What is claimed, without dcrials of various characters. 1

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides-in the com 5 bination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, may be made withparting from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawings: Figure 1 is an elevational view of a washing machine equipped with an automatic 3 washing solut'on feeding mechanism, constructed in accordance with he invention.

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the washing machine equipped with the apparatus. l Figure 3 is an enlarged elevational View of the control mechanism.

Figure l is a s'de elevational view of the control device, paris thereof being shown in section.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken'on line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a view taken on line 6-6 of Figure 4-. l Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on line 53 7-7 of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8;'-8 of Figure 6..

Figure 9 is a View illustrating the control key, showing the control key in two different positions.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken on line 10-1(1 of Figure 4.

Figure 1 1 is a view taken on line 1111 of Figure 4. I

Figure 12 is an elevational view of the contact ring of the control mechanism.

Figure 13 is an elevational view illustratin g the connection between the control valves and main valves of the apparatus.

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken on line 14-14 of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken on line 15-15 of Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a fragmental elevational view illustrating the means 'for operating the bucket shaft of the mechanism.

Figure 1? is a vertical sectional view through one of the buckets.

Figure 18 is a side elevational view of one of the buckets.

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken on line 19-19 of Figure 17.

Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the circuits leading from he contact members, to

the various magnets that operate the valves.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the reference character 5 designates the body portion of a washing machine, on which the controiiing device forming the essence of the invention, is mounted. The reference character 6 designates the base that forms a sup port for the motor 7, to be hereinafter more fully described. Legs 8 extend upwardly from the base 6 and provide a support for the horizontal supporting members 9 that extend forwardly and connect with the bar 10, that in turn is formed with a bearing opening, to receive the tubular bearing 11, in which the main shaft 12 of the device operates. On one end'of the main shaft 12, is a gear 13 that is in mesh with the worm 14 carried at one end of the shaft 15, on which shaft the worm 16 is formed, the latter worm being in mesh with the gear 17.

Secured to the main shaft 12, is a stationtoo ary disk 18 constructed of insulating material, which disk provides a support for the contact ring 19. At the outer end of the main shaft 12, is a wheel 20, which is keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft 12, to rotate therewith, the periphery of the wheel being provided with transverse grooves providing teeth. Loosely mounted on the shaft 12, is a sleeve 21 that has an upstanding portion 22 to which the arms 23 are connected, the arms being extended upwardly and disposed in spaced relation with each other, b means of t e block 24 which is adjustable a ong the arms 23, and held in its positions of adJustment by means of the set screws 25... This block 24 is formed with an opening, providing a bearing for the rod 26, which is shown as having its lower end flattened andv extended to a point to move within the grooves of the wheel 20, to lock the shaft 26 and wheel together. I

Adjustably mounted on the rod 26, is an arm 27 that extends laterally between the arms 23, whereit provides a support for the supporting block 28, to which the brush carrying arm 29 is secured. This brush car- I rying arm supports the brush 30, which is adapted to move into engagement with the contact ring 19, for purposes to be hereinafter more fully described. Mounted on the rod 26, is a coiled spring 31, the spring being disposed'between the block 24 and the .arm 27, to normall urge the shaft 26 into engagement with t e wheel 20, to lock the shaft to the wheel 20. Supported on the upper ends of the arms 23, is a bearing member 32. The reference character 34 desginates a'key that is positioned in the member 32, and extends through the tubular bearing 33 extending from the disk or fin er piece 41. The outer end of the key is half in an opening of the bearing member 32'. A finger piece 35 is mounted on the forward end of the ke 1 34, and provides means to rotate the ke or purposes to be hereinafter more described. The spring 36 acts to norfu 1y mal y hold the key 34 in its positions of adjustment.

Blades 37, 38 and 39, are formed on the key and are ada ted to move the switch on the key and area pted to move the switch members 40 out of operation. Each switch member comprises a movable member 41', mounted on the rod 42' supported by the bearing member 32 and bearing bar 32'. Contact members 43' are carried by the movable members 41'. The pin 42 extends inwardly from the disk 41, which pin is adapted to engage the end portion 43 of -the rod 26, so that by rotating the disk, rod 26 may be elevated to disengage member 20, to permit the setting of the mechanism at any point on the dial.

The dial is indicated by the reference character 44 and is supported by the arms 45 that are mounted on the arm 46 that carries the timing rings 47, '48'and 49, the timing rings being held in spaced relation with. each other by means of the spacing sleeves 50, mounted on the bolts 51. lVhile I have shown and described three timing rings, it is to be understood that the number of timing rings may be varied to meet various requirements.

The wire 52 provides a circuit between the brush carrying arm 29 and the switch members 40. The contact ring 19 is in circuit with a suitable source of electricity supply, through the wire 53.

Adjustably supported on the timing rings 47, 48 and 49 are contact members 54 wh ch are in circuit with certain of the binding posts 55, through the wires 56 that are shown as connected therewith. The binding posts have contact with the switch arms 57 that are designed to contact with the contact members 58 that are secured to the insulating section 59, of the switch box 60. As clearly shown by Figure 10 of thedrawings, the switch arms 57 are supplied with insulating blocks 62 that are engaged by the cams 63, which in turn are arranged on the shaft 63' with such respect to each other, that by turning the shaft, certain of the switch arms may be permanently held out of operation. It is of course understood that the contact members 54-may be arranged on the timing rin s 47, in such relation with respect to each other, that as the switch members 40 contact therewith, circuits will be made through the switch arms that are in ircuit therewith.

At one side of the body portion of the washing machine, is a trough 64 through which the shaft 65 extends, the shaft providing a support for the buckets 66 that are pivotally mounted thereon. Mounted on the shaft 65, to rotate therewith, are cams 67, the cams being disposed directly under the buckets 66, so that when the cams rotate with the shaft, they will engage the buckets disposed directly thereover, and swing the buckets to their dumping positions, to dump the contents of the buckets into the body portion of the washing machine. At one end of the shaft 65, is a ratchet wheel 68 that is engaged by the pawl 69 carried b the arm 70, which is operated by means 0 the rod 71. The rod 71 connects with the rod 72 that is carried by a piston mounted within the cylinder 73, the cylinder 73 being supplied with air, through the pipe 74 that connects with the valve 75. As clearl shown by Figure 13 of the drawings, a plum ity of these valves 75 are shown as in communication with the pipe 76 that connects with the bod portion of the washing machine, throug the union 77.

A steam pipe indicated by the reference character 78 connects with one of the valves 75, and is designed to supply steam to the pipe 76 and washing machine with which it is connected. Pipe 79 is in communication with one of the valves and is also in communication with a cold water supply, so that cold water may be fed'through the valve 75, to the pipe 7 6 and washing machine. Pipe 80 connects with a suitable hot water supply, so that when the valve 75 withwhich the pipe 80 is connected, is operated, hot water may be directed to the pipe 76 and body portion of the washing machine.

The valves 75 are identical, and in describing the valves, only one valve will be de-- scribed in detail, reference being had to Figure 15 of the drawings. Each valve 75 comprises a body portion in which the valve memher 81 moves, the valve member being connected with the valve rod 82 which extends through the bar 83 of the valve frame. Adjustably mounted on the bar 83. and forming a part of the valve frame. are rods 84 that extend through the heads 85 of the cylinder 86 in which the piston 87 operates. The piston 87 has connection with the rod 88 that extends through one of the heads 85, where it connects with the bar 89 that bears against the coiled springs 90, to hold the rod. 88 in spaced relation with the valve rod 82.

The referen e character 91 designates a pipe that extends from the valve and connects with a valve housing 92, it being understood that-a plurality of these valve housings 02 are provided, and since these valve housings 92 and valves operating therein are identical, only one of these valve housings and valves will be described in detail. Each of these valve housings 92 is formed with a chamber in which the valve 93 operates, the valve seat heing indicated by the reference character 94k. A spring 95 normally holds the valve 93 in its closed position. Connected with the valve 93 is a valve rod 96 that extends through one end of the valve housing 92, where it is provided with a threaded extremity to receive the washer 9? and nut 0'? against which the arm 98 engages, the nut 97' providing means wherelavan adjustment of the rod 96 may he provided. I

A. hleed opening 98' extends to thebottom o each valve housing, to release the air in the pipe 01 and valve chamber, when the valve 98 is returned to its normal position, it heingunderstoo'd that the washer 97 moves away from the bottom of the valve housing to uncover the outlet opening at the lower end of the valve housing.

Each arm 08 carries an adjustable armature 99 that is adapted to be attracted hyits magnet 100, the magnets lacing in circuit with the contact rnernhers 58, through the wires 101., to the end that when a circuit is made to any particular magnet, the valve associated with that magnet, will be operated to direct air to a particular valve 75, for accomplish ing the purpose as. described.-

Pipes 91 connect with the valve chambers, and lead to the valves 75, to direct air thereto.

Air enters the valve chambers 92, through the pipes 103 that are connected with the header 104, which in turn is connected with a suitable source of air supply not shown, through the pipe 105,

Supported near the body portion is a vertical tank 100. which tank is in communication with the bottom of the body portion 5,

through the pipe 107, so that water in the body portion?) may seek its level in the tank 100. Operating within 'the tank 106, is a float 108 that is secured to the lower end ofthe rod 100. the upper end of therod 109 extending through an opening in the guide bar 110. Adjustable collars 111 are mounted on the rod 108, and are disposed on opposite sides of the lever 112. so that as the float 108 rises, the rod 109 will also rise, causing the lower collar 111, to engage the lever 11:? and operate the mechanism for actuating: the valve for cutting oil the flow of water to the tank or hody portion The rod 109 passes through an opening formed in the float. 113. which is mounted on the lower end of the rod 114, the upper end of the rod being supplied with adjustable collars 115 disposed on opposite sidcsof the lever 112. This lever is in circuit with certain of the switch arms 5-? so that when the switch arms 5'? are set and the control contact member 54 controlling the water supply. is operated, water will flow into the body position of the machine.

It might he stated that the collars are so zwrzuaged that they will contact with the lever 112 to operate the lever and break the circuit to the control mechanism associated therewith. to cut off the flow of water to the hotly portion 5, at another or higher level.

Disposed under the body portion 5. is a drain'valve operated bv means of the rod 110, which is moved laterally h v means of the pis ton operating in the cylinder 117, the construction heingr such that when air is passed into the cylinder 11?, the piston therein will more under the action of the. air pressure. moving the rod 116 to open the drain valve and allow the water to pass therefrom.

lhe controlling switch of the mechanism, for controlling the electric current passing to the motor I. is indicated by the reference character-118 and is adapted to be operated loy the attendant, to start themotor i.

lln' the operation of the device, the mechanism is set for a particular formula, and the motor 5' is setin motion. As the main shaft 12 rotates, the switch memhers 40 are moved Elli tact member engaged ber 40.

The electric current now flows through the binding post 53, into the wire connected thereby the' switch memwith, which wire is connected with one of the magnets 100. This magnet is energized,

moving the valve rod 96 and valve associated therewith, to open the valve, allowing air to pass through pipe 103 and into pipe 91, from where the air passes into the valve 75 connected therewith, opening the valve and allowing liquid such as steam, hot water, cold water, or the like, to ass into the body portion. It is of course un erstood that when the valve is operated to move the rod 71, the buckets will be successively discharged into the trough that connects with the body portion, depositing material such as soap, bleach, or the like, into the body portion.

The contact members are so arranged with respect to each other, that the circuits to the magnets will be made successively, to cause the materials used in washing, to be delivered to the body portion, successively.

The contact member 120 is arranged with such respect to the contact members 54, that adapted to rotate to successively move the containers to their dumping positions to deliver washing material to the body portion,

and electrically controlled means for controlling the passage of steam" and water to the body portion.

2. In a washing machine, a body portion,

pipes for delivering washing materials to the ody portion, valves for controlling the passage of washing material through the pipes,

a plurality of timing rings, contact members adj ustably mounted on the timing rings, electrically controlled means for operating the valves, wires providing circuits between the adjustable contact members and the elecl trically controlled means to provide circuits to the electrically controlled means, a movable member carrying contact members to engage the first mentioned contact members to. complete circuits to the electrically controlled means, and means for regulating the movement of the movable contact members to complete circuits, to successively operate the electrically controlled means and valves.

3. In a washing machine, a body portion, pipes for directing washing fluids to the body portion, electrically controlled means for controlling the passage of washing fluids to the body portion, said electrically controlled means comprising adjustable stationar contact members, a rotary shaft, a plurality of switch members, a rod on which the switch members are' mounted, means for connecting the arms to the rotary shaft to cause the arm and switch members to rotate with the rotary shaft, said switch members adapted to engage the contact members to complete circuits to the electrically controlled means, and means for adjusting the switch members to cause the circuits to be successively completed.

4. In a washing machine, a body portion, a shaft mounted adjacent to the body portion, a plurality of containers pivotally mounted on the shaft, rotary cams mounted under the containers and arranged at various angles with respect to each other to successively dump the contents of the containers into the body portion, and pneumatic means for operating the cams.

5. In a washing machine, a body portion, a plurality of containers mounted adjacent to the body portion and adapted to dump their contents into the body portion, a shaft on which the containers are mounted, cams mounted on the shaft and adapted to engage the containers to dump the containers, pneumatically controlled means for operating the shaft to move the cams, and electric time controlled' means for operating the pneumatically controlledmeans. 100

6. In a washing machine, a body portion, a shaft operating adjacent to the body portion, containers mounted on the shaft, cams adjustably mounted on the shaft, and adapted to engage the containers to dump the containers, means for 'rotating the shaft, said rotating means including a rod, a pawl and ratchet operated by the rod, said ratchet being carried by the shaft, pneumatically controlled means for operating the rod, and time 110 controlled electric means for operating the pneumatically controlled means.

7. In a washing machine, a body portion, a shaft supported adjacent to the body portion, a plurality of containers pivotally mounted on the shaft, cams secured to the shaft and adjustable to various positions with respect to each other to-engage the containers at predetermined intervals to suecessively dump the contents of the containers 120 into the body portion, pneumatically controlled means for rotating the shaft, and time controlled means for operating the pneumatically controlled means.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as 125 my own, I have hereto affixed my signature.

ERNST DAVID EDGREN. 

